BBC expert Holly Hamilton has urged travellers to carefully check the small print when booking holidays, warning that third-party booking sites may not always offer the best value. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, the journalist shared tips for securing a budget-friendly summer getaway.
Don't Book the First Deal You See
Hamilton advised against booking the first holiday found online, stating, "I will say when you do find the dream holiday, don't book the first one that you see, because that might not actually be the best price." She emphasised the importance of thorough research to compare package deals from third-party sites against direct bookings with airlines, hotels, and activity providers.
Third-party booking sites act as "middlemen" or modern-day travel agents, earning money through commission and advertising. While they may occasionally offer cheaper prices, Hamilton recommends using them primarily as price comparison tools and urges consumers to read the fine print on provider websites.
Direct Bookings Can Include Hidden Extras
Hamilton explained that direct bookings often include extras that third-party sites charge separately for. She noted, "Sometimes it can be cheaper but very often if you do go directly to the airline or to the hotel it can actually work out even cheaper if you dig a little bit deeper and read the extras." For example, a flight listed at £50 on a third-party site might cost £60 when booked directly with the airline, but the latter may include luggage. Similarly, hotels may offer flexible fares to avoid cancellation fees or include a free breakfast, all of which add up.
Risks of Third-Party Bookings
Drawing from personal experience, Hamilton warned that travellers using third-party sites may face difficulties if things go wrong. "You might end up stuck talking to a chatbot for a little while. It's very difficult sometimes to get a refund," she said. She highlighted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as the balance between price, convenience, and security varies by life stage.
Hamilton shared that her own priorities have shifted over time. "There was a time in my 20s, I was very happy to hop aboard and take the risks and get a cheap price. These days, travelling with small children, I want to know where I'm going. I want to know that there's somebody at the other end of the phone." She expressed a preference for package holidays, which offer consumer rights and can sometimes be cheaper, while advising to "talk about things like your free breakfast."
